How to Transfer a Website from Tilda to Another Hosting

Tilda is a popular website builder that allows you to create web pages without complex programming. However, in some cases, site owners want to export a project to their hosting, whether for cost savings, advanced customization, or complete control over the code. The transfer process requires some preparation: you need not only to download the files from the platform but also to configure all components on the new server, preserving the project structure and the functionality of its elements.

Preparing for Website Export

Before transferring a website from Tilda to hosting, make sure your Tilda plan allows file export. The free version does not have this option, while paid packages support export in HTML/ZIP format. Next, check your domain and its connection. If you plan to use the same domain name, you will need to reconfigure the DNS records to point to the new hosting. It is advisable to back up the existing resource to avoid data loss in case of an error.

Exporting a Website from the Tilda Platform

To export the project, go to the "Site Settings" section and find the "Export Code" option. A button will appear offering to download an archive (zip) with all necessary files: HTML pages, styles, images, and scripts. If the plan allows, you can download everything in one archive. Inside the package, you will find the basic folder structure, index files for each page, and dynamic code if included.

Preparing the New Hosting

Before uploading the files, make sure that a working environment has been created on the new server. In ISPmanager, you usually need to add the domain and create a directory to place HTML pages. The same applies to any other control panel or directly via FTP/SFTP if you have the appropriate access. Sometimes, it is necessary to configure a .htaccess file to ensure proper link handling and redirects.

Uploading the Website to the New Hosting

Unzip the Tilda archive on your local computer, then upload the contents (code, images, folders) to the appropriate hosting directory. This is usually the public_html or www folder, but the exact name depends on the configuration (for example, "htdocs" on some servers). Ensure the project's main page is named index.html so that the correct web page opens when accessing the domain.

If you plan to switch the domain name from Tilda to your new server, you need to change the DNS records at the registrar, pointing them to the IP address of your hosting.

For temporary testing of the website on the new server, you can edit the hosts file on your computer, specifying the domain name and IP address of the new server. This allows you to view the site locally before changing DNS records.

Adapting Dynamic Elements

When transferring a website from Tilda to external hosting, there may be issues with dynamic elements such as contact forms, embedded scripts, animations, and other interactive components. This is because Tilda uses its server infrastructure to process these elements. After transferring to new hosting, where this infrastructure is absent, dynamic elements may stop functioning correctly. Solutions include:

• Developing your server scripts (for example, in PHP, Python, or Node.js) to process data previously handled by Tilda servers;
• If you have an active Tilda subscription, you may try to reuse some Tilda services the site was connected to;
• You can also use third-party services to replace Tilda's dynamic elements. For example, Google Forms, Typeform, or similar can be used to replace contact forms.

Testing and Launching the Website

After successfully uploading all website files to the new hosting and correctly configuring the DNS records pointing to it, thorough testing must be conducted before launching the site to the public. Open the site in several popular browsers and carefully review each page, making sure all elements are displayed correctly.

1. Check all internal and external links to ensure they work and lead to the correct pages.
2. Test the site's navigation to ensure users can move through it easily.
3. Fill in all contact, registration, order, and other interactive forms.
4. Ensure that form data is sent correctly, reaches the intended email address, or is stored in a database.
5. Check all scripts and interactive elements such as sliders, galleries, maps, etc. Test the site on various devices and screen resolutions to ensure it displays and adapts properly. Pay special attention to "404 Not Found" errors, which may indicate incorrect file paths.
6. Check paths to images, CSS files, JavaScript files, and the .htaccess file. Use browser developer tools to find JavaScript and CSS errors.
7. Verify that fonts display correctly and there are no encoding issues.
8. Check the page loading speed and optimize images and other resources.
9. Make sure meta tags and URL structure are correctly set.
10. Ensure that an SSL certificate is installed and that forms are protected from spam.

Conclusion

Transferring a site from the Tilda builder to your own hosting provides configuration and further optimization freedom. The process usually involves exporting a ZIP archive, setting up a working environment on the new server (including code folders and domain settings), and adapting dynamic functions. Thorough testing before the final launch helps avoid issues and preserve the familiar interface for users. If you have questions about specific nuances, you can always refer to Tilda's official help materials or request a consultation from our specialists.

FAQ

What Automated Services Can Be Used to Check the Correctness of the Transfer?

You can use services that check link integrity, form functionality, and page load speed. For example, Screaming Frog SEO Spider, Google PageSpeed Insights, and W3C Markup Validation Service.

How to Preserve the Site Design After the Transfer?

The design can be preserved by exporting the code from Tilda and adapting it to the new hosting. Some design elements may require adjustments due to environmental differences.

What Happens to the Site If You Do Not Renew the Tilda Subscription?

If you do not renew the Tilda subscription, the site will become unavailable on the internet since it is hosted on Tilda's servers. The domain name will be disconnected, and the functionality of paid blocks and services will stop working. The site project will remain in your Tilda account, but you must renew the subscription to restore it.